Revolutionizing Online Sports Betting: Overlooked Technological Advancements

Russell Karp, Senior Vice President at DataArt, believes that despite the growing popularity of online sports betting, the industry as a whole is missing out on critical technological developments that could revolutionize the playing field.

With the legalization of sports betting in over 30 states in the US following a wave of deregulation, millions of users now have the opportunity to place bets on sports through operator websites and mobile apps. However, Karp argues that even major operators like FanDuel and DraftKings have not effectively utilized key tools and features that have proven successful in other industries.

Karp points out that sports betting apps have not embraced important features such as in-app personalization, performance analytics, AI, high-quality video streaming, and the creation of a loyal community. By studying successful apps like Spotify, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon, it becomes clear that sports betting apps have lagged behind in terms of user experience and engagement.

One major aspect that sports betting apps have overlooked is in-app personalization. Users today are accustomed to highly tailored experiences on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, and Spotify. However, sports betting apps have yet to offer this level of personalization. Karp emphasizes that personalized user experiences lead to increased app engagement, and it is an area that sports betting apps should focus on improving. Currently, most sports betting apps present users with generic bonuses and offers on their homepages, regardless of their betting history or favorite sports and teams. This lack of customization options makes these apps appear outdated compared to platforms like Netflix and Spotify, which curate content based on user preferences. Karp suggests that by reflecting a user's betting history in offers and bonuses, operators could streamline the betting process for users and enhance their overall experience.

Another area for improvement is interface customizability. Popular social media platforms like Twitter and WhatsApp allow users to personalize features like background, font color, and text size. However, sports betting apps have not yet incorporated these customization options. Karp argues that utilizing predictive analytics and AI could enable sports betting apps to provide users with valuable insights, such as success/failure rates or estimates for future versus live betting. By offering high-quality predictive analysis of team or player performance, sportsbooks can differentiate themselves from the competition and provide bettors with more engaging experiences.

Video streaming and visual elements also need attention in sports betting apps. Currently, there can be a significant lag between real-time game action and the video stream, resulting in discrepancies in projected odds for bettors. This issue negatively impacts in-play betting and creates a subpar user experience. Additionally, many sports betting apps have outdated and simplistic graphics, which can undermine their credibility and professionalism. To address these issues, sports betting apps should focus on improving the quality of live-streamed videos and updating their in-app illustrations to match the high-quality designs offered by competing platforms.

Furthermore, Karp highlights the importance of socialization in today's digital world. Users expect the ability to connect with like-minded individuals through communities and forums. However, sports betting apps have not fully capitalized on this aspect. By creating groups, forums, and personalized profiles, sports betting apps can foster a sense of community, increase user engagement, and promote content sharing.

In conclusion, to stay competitive in the rapidly growing online sports betting industry, platforms need to prioritize innovation and personalization. By enhancing visuals, offering high-quality video streaming, providing personalized experiences, and creating spaces for community interaction, sports betting apps can meet the evolving demands of users and stay ahead of the competition.

By fLEXI tEAM